Mbalula: Help ‘black diamond’ Phangiso

Sports minister Fikile Mbalula has called on Cricket South Africa (CSA) to step in and help ensure that embattled Proteas spinner Aaron Phangiso gets his career back on track.

Phangiso was earlier this week suspended from bowling after independent tests conducted on his bowling action revealed that his action is illegal.

These tests were conducted last Friday at the University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre which was accredited as an ICC testing laboratory in December 2014.

Phangiso has made the news for the wrong reasons in recent times.

During last month’s T20 international series against England, Phangiso had to apologise after he was caught imitating snorting cocaine during a live TV broadcast at the Wanderers.

It followed the earlier news that he was barred from a team flight in an intoxicated state last October.

Mbalula is eager to see Phangiso’s career get back on track and called on CSA to assist the player.

A statement released by the sports ministry’s office on Tuesday reads:

“The Minister of Sport and Recreation SA Mr. Fikile Mbalula has learnt about the suspension and withdrawal of Mr Aaron Phangiso from the first two T20 Internationals against Australia following the announcement by University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre. It is reported that the High Performance Centre conducted tests on Mr Phangiso that revealed illegalities in his bowling.

"Minister Fikile Mbalula is concerned that this withdrawal comes on the eve of the Proteas campaign and participation in T20 ICC Word Twenty20. Further, the Minister calls upon the leadership and administrators within Cricket South Africa (CSA) to save the talent and future of this black diamond and other players who might be faced with similar misfortunes. All this should not serve as ammunition to those who continue to slow our transformation objectives.”

Meanwhile, CSA confirmed that Phangiso will not be considered for the first two T20 internationals against Australia. He will remain with the squad and will work alongside spin bowling coach, Claude Henderson, who will be joined by CSA’s High Performance Manager, Vinnie Barnes, in an effort to remedy his action.